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Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians

Commentaries

  • ‘Greatest generation’ has stories to tell

    It turns out that the new digital recorder I bought my dad for his 80th birthday to record his memories of World War II for his grandchildren and their grandchildren just won’t do. The buttons are a bit too small for his fading eyesight, and he is somewhat technology-challenged as well.So I push

  • USO is sweet place in deployment travels

    After checking in three 70-pound bags with my own version of makeshift wheels and working up no small sweat doing so, and avoiding whacks into my eyeballs from bungee cords gone awry, I was happy to find blessed relief in yet another USO center on my journey to Baghdad.Near Air Mobility Command’s

  • An Airman by any other name...

    "Public affairs, Erin Zagursky" is my standard phone-answering line, but the reply I get is never standard.Many people call me "ma'am" and some call me "Ms. Zagursky" (or some creative variant of my last name). However, people most often respond to my telephone greeting by saying, "Hi, Airman

  • Do things right the first time, every time

    How many times have you heard someone say, “We need to do this right,” or have had a supervisor counsel you on “doing the right thing”? I have many times in my career, but it was not until recently that I took the time to find out what this often-used phrase means. Understanding the parts of the

  • What World War II Memorial means to military

    The recent opening of the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. and its dedication this Memorial Day are highlighting the service of a generation who stood up to protect our nation, fought tyranny and freed an oppressed European continent 60 years ago.We are now in a conflict as arduous

  • It takes great people to build great organizations

    Not all organizations are created equal. Some units have something special. Their members seem remarkably happy, the mission always gets accomplished and their names are heard whenever the very best are mentioned.In my 17 years of service, I’ve noticed a few qualities that are common to many of

  • We must be fit to take turn on front lines

    When I joined the Air Force many years ago, the 1.5-mile run was the measure of fitness for Airmen.At the time, one of my coworkers was slightly overweight and a heavy smoker. He exercised little or not at all, but every year he'd tough it out at the run and manage to pass the test. He crossed the

  • You can never have too many heroes

    It wasn't a heated discussion, but certainly one that provoked a vocal exchange of opinions. It wasn't about politics, policies or religion. It was centered on a four-letter word: Hero.My friend insisted the term is overused, being randomly placed in news articles that highlight individuals for

  • Getting re-blued -- a real 're-treat'

    “Did you get chills, ma’am?” the academy commandant asked. “I feel them every time we do this.”I did get chills and tears did well up, and I instantly felt re-blued.I had just participated in a noncommissioned officer academy class's retreat ceremony, one of many areas the NCOs train on.When I was

  • Air Force attitude makes a difference

    What, exactly, is Air Force attitude? It’s a vague thing, really. It’s hard to define sometimes, but when you see it, you recognize it immediately.You see it in the sharp troop at the gate who is chilled to the bone, yet still sports a uniform as crisp as the winter air. He still takes the time